Running a small business means wearing every hat, from invoicing clients to printing marketing flyers at the last minute. The right colour printer turns those daily printing tasks into a smooth, predictable routine instead of a recurring headache. Whether you print labels, brochures, or full reports, the eight options below cover the most common small business printing needs without overcomplicating the setup.
Your Options, Compared
Xerox C245 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Xerox C240 Wireless Color Laser Printer
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Supertank Printer (White)
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Supertank Printer (Black)
Brother MFCL2750DW Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
NIIMBOT N1 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer
NIIMBOT M2 2-Inch Thermal Transfer Label Printer
Taking A Closer Look At The Options
The Xerox C245 sits at the top of this list because it bundles printing, scanning, and copying into one compact laser unit that suits a small team juggling mixed jobs. It prints 26 pages per minute in color with automatic double-sided output, so a stack of client handouts or quarterly reports clears the tray quickly without babysitting.
Wireless connectivity covers dual-band Wi-Fi plus support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria, which means a freelancer on a MacBook or a manager on an Android phone can send jobs without installing drivers. For most growing offices that want one machine to handle color marketing pieces alongside everyday black-and-white documents, the C245 covers a wider range of tasks than the print-only Xerox C240 below.
Positive Points
- All-in-one design cuts the need for a scanner or copier on the desk
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper on long internal reports
- Mobile printing through AirPrint and Mopria streamlines phone-based workflows
- Laser engine handles recurring daily volumes without slowing the team
Things To Consider
- Toner replacements cost more per page than the EcoTank ink options below
- The body takes up more space than a portable label maker or dedicated photo printer
Key Specs
Made For
Small offices and satellite teams that need one color laser to handle reports, scans, and double-sided handouts from a single desk-friendly footprint.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Businesses printing mostly shipping labels should consider the NIIMBOT M2, which produces wider, sharper thermal-transfer labels at lower per-label cost.
The Xerox C240 is the print-only sibling of the C245, aimed at solo operators and small teams that already own a scanner and want to keep their setup lean. Color output lands at 26 pages per minute with the same laser precision, so presentations and client proposals still look professional without paying for features a one-person office may never use.
Dual-band Wi-Fi plus AirPrint and Mopria cover the same wireless bases as the larger C245, letting you push jobs from a phone on the road or a laptop at the kitchen table. If your office rarely needs to scan or copy and you want a quieter, lighter printer on the shelf, the C240 saves desk space without giving up color laser sharpness.
Practical Pluses
- Smaller footprint than the C245 for tighter home-office desks
- Same 26 ppm color speed keeps turnaround consistent across jobs
- Wireless printing from laptops and phones without driver setup
Trade Offs
- No scanner or copier means adding a separate device for those tasks
- Color toner cost runs higher per page than the EcoTank ink refills further down
- Best suited to lower monthly volumes; heavy daily runs may push duty cycle limits
Right Fit For
Freelancers and solo operators who mostly need crisp color prints and already have a separate scanning solution.
Look Elsewhere When
Teams wanting print, scan, and copy in one box should step up to the Xerox C245, which adds those functions without changing the color engine.
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 drops into a different lane from the laser picks above. It is a dedicated dye-sublimation photo printer built for craft sellers, event photographers, and boutique owners who need polished prints on the spot rather than bulk office documents.
Wireless connectivity plus onboard editing tools like portrait optimization, red-eye correction, and a smooth skin feature let you clean up photos before printing. The format range covers 2.1 by 2.1 inch labels, 2.1 by 3.4 inch cards, 3.5 by 4.7 inch L size, and 4 by 6 inch postcards, which makes it handy for product tags, thank-you cards, and small-batch photo packages.
What Earns Its Place
- Dye-sublimation output delivers lab-style photo finishes for client gifts
- Built-in editing tools clean up portraits before the print runs
- Multiple print sizes from labels up to 4×6 postcards in one machine
- Wireless printing from common smartphones and tablets
Worth Noting
- Specialty ink and paper packs cost more per page than a standard color laser or inkjet
- Not designed for office documents, spreadsheets, or bulk printing
- Print speed lags behind the laser and EcoTank picks for high-volume days
Who It Suits Best
Small craft and photography businesses that need retail-ready photo prints at events or in studio without sending work to a lab.
Consider Something Else When
Offices that mostly print invoices and reports will get more value from the Xerox C240, which handles everyday color documents at a fraction of the per-print cost.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 takes a different approach to running costs. Instead of swapping small ink cartridges, you refill oversized ink tanks from the included bottle sets, which the manufacturer states can stretch up to two years of typical use and up to 4,500 pages per replacement set.
For a small business that prints marketing flyers, client handouts, and internal reports on the same day, that tank-based approach keeps ink refills out of the weekly to-do list. Built-in scanning and copying round out the all-in-one package, and the white finish blends into brighter home offices better than a typical black office machine.
Real Benefits
- Supertank refills cost far less than cartridge replacements across long print runs
- All-in-one design covers scanning and copying alongside color prints
- Wireless setup clears cable clutter from a small desk
- Included ink bottles reduce the urgency of buying supplies on day one
Points To Keep In Mind
- Print speed is slower than the Xerox laser models for tight deadlines
- Photo quality is solid but does not match the Canon SELPHY for specialty photo output
- Initial refill setup takes a steady hand and a small workspace to avoid spills
Key Specs
Built With In Mind
Small businesses printing hundreds of pages weekly who want ink costs to stay predictable without swapping tiny cartridges every few days.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Teams prioritizing speed should consider the Brother MFCL2750DW, which moves monochrome pages through a laser engine much faster than this inkjet.
The black version of the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 shares the same supertank engine, refill yield, and all-in-one scanning features as the white model above. The difference is purely aesthetic, which makes it a sensible pick for offices that prefer a darker machine on the shelf or already own black peripherals.
Functionally, it covers the same small-business workflow: refillable ink tanks, wireless printing from laptops and phones, and a scanning surface that handles the occasional signed contract or receipt. You may find this color choice easier to match with existing office furniture, but the day-to-day experience matches the white sibling closely.
Useful Strengths
- Same low-cost refill system as the white model for predictable ink spend
- Scanning and copying included without buying a second device
- Black finish blends with darker office furniture and electronics
- Wireless connectivity keeps the printer reachable from phones and tablets
Less Ideal Details
- Print speed still trails the laser picks for high-volume document runs
- Photo output is decent but not as polished as the Canon SELPHY for event work
Best Suited To
Style-conscious home offices that want the same refillable tank convenience as the white version in a darker finish.
Swap It Out When
Businesses that need a laser engine for sharper text and faster output should pick the Brother MFCL2750DW instead.
The Brother MFCL2750DW steps away from color entirely and focuses on speed for monochrome documents. If your small business prints contracts, shipping forms, and internal reports more often than brochures, a dedicated black-and-white laser often outpaces color models on both speed and per-page cost.
The all-in-one design adds single-pass duplex copying and scanning through a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, which keeps multi-page stacks moving without hand-feeding. Compatibility with Brother Genuine TN730 and TN760 toner plus the Refresh subscription option means replacement supplies stay consistent, which is helpful for offices that prefer not to gamble with off-brand cartridges.
Why It Works Well
- Laser engine delivers fast monochrome output for daily document runs
- Automatic duplex scanning and copying speeds up multi-page paperwork
- All-in-one design folds scanning and faxing into the same footprint
- Standard and high-yield toner options let you match supply cost to volume
Potential Compromises
- Monochrome only, so any color handouts require a second printer
- Footprint is larger than the compact Xerox C240 and label makers below
- Best performance requires genuine Brother toner rather than off-brand supplies
Who Should Grab It
Document-heavy offices that prioritize fast monochrome throughput over color output for everyday paperwork.
Another Choice May Suit
Businesses that need consistent color brochures and reports should consider the Xerox C245, which adds color without sacrificing the all-in-one design.
The NIIMBOT N1 is not a document printer; it is a pocket-sized label maker for small businesses that ship products, organize inventory, or print jar labels for craft goods. Thermal transfer printing at 203 DPI produces labels that resist smudging, water, and short-term heat better than basic direct thermal prints, which is helpful for items that sit in a warehouse or shop window.
Bluetooth connectivity pairs with a phone, so you can print a custom batch of labels from a packing station without dragging a laptop to the bench. The compact form factor tucks into a drawer between uses, which makes it easy to share between a home office and a market stall on weekends.
Everyday Advantages
- Thermal transfer labels hold up to water and handling better than direct thermal prints
- Bluetooth pairing with a phone cuts out laptop cable clutter
- Compact size fits on a packing bench or inside a drawer between uses
- No ink cartridges to replace, since the tape carries the print medium
Practical Considerations
- Not designed for documents, invoices, or marketing collateral
- Print width caps at narrow label sizes, so wider shipping labels need the M2 model below
Key Specs
Perfect Match For
Mobile sellers and small shops that need quick, durable labels for packaging or shelf organization without investing in a full-size label printer.
Not Your Match When
Warehouses that print wider shipping labels at higher resolution should consider the NIIMBOT M2, which prints at 300 DPI on 2-inch tape.
The NIIMBOT M2 steps up from the N1 with a wider 2-inch print width and a sharper 300 DPI thermal transfer head, which suits warehouses and retail backrooms that print larger shipping or shelf labels. Higher resolution means small barcodes and fine print stay legible, which is helpful for inventory scans that rely on clean scans.
Like the N1, it uses thermal transfer tape rather than ink cartridges, so labels resist water, oil, alcohol, and temperature swings. The blue finish helps it stand out on a busy packing bench, and Bluetooth pairing keeps the workflow cable-free when you move between packing stations.
Notable Upsides
- 300 DPI resolution keeps barcodes and fine details crisp for scanners
- 2-inch tape width fits wider shipping and shelf labels in one pass
- Thermal transfer output resists water, oil, and handling wear
- Bluetooth connectivity pairs with phones for cable-free printing
Where It May Fall Short
- Limited to label printing, so it cannot replace a document printer
- Larger footprint than the pocket-friendly N1 model for shared spaces
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Warehouse and retail operations that need durable, wider labels with sharper text than the entry-level N1 can produce.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Mobile sellers who only print basic jar and product labels will find the NIIMBOT N1 easier to carry between home and market stalls.
What To Weigh Before Choosing A Colour Printer For Your Office
Match The Engine To Your Real Output Mix
Laser printers like the Xerox C245 and C240 shine when your day runs on invoices, contracts, and reports with crisp text and predictable page counts. Inkjet supertank models like the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 deliver lower per-page costs when color-heavy marketing materials are part of the routine. If your output is mostly photos, the Canon SELPHY CP1300 produces sharper images than either type, while label printers handle packaging entirely on their own. Picking the engine that matches your dominant job type prevents paying for capacity you rarely use.
Look Beyond The Sticker Price
Upfront cost is only one slice of ownership, since ink, toner, and label tape often dominate the long-term bill. EcoTank refill bottles typically last longer per dollar than standard cartridges, and laser toner generally prints more pages per cartridge than entry-level inkjets. For small businesses printing hundreds of pages weekly, the refill cadence matters as much as the initial investment.
Connectivity And Workflow Fit
Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria support let you print from phones and laptops without installing drivers, which is helpful for mixed-device offices. Bluetooth label printers like the NIIMBOT N1 and M2 cut cables from the packing bench entirely. Consider whether your team works primarily from a desk, on a phone, or between both, and match the printer’s strongest connection type to that pattern.
Plan For Duty Cycle And Space
A compact laser or EcoTank fits a shelf in a home office, while a high-volume laser like the Brother MFCL2750DW needs more breathing room and a dedicated surface. Check the recommended monthly page volume against your real output, and leave space for paper trays and refill access so the printer does not crowd the rest of the desk.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
A frequent trap is buying a color laser for a workflow that runs almost entirely on monochrome documents, then paying toner costs for capability you never use. Another is choosing the cheapest inkjet without checking refill yields, which can quietly cost more in cartridges over time. Match the printer’s strengths to the dominant job type instead of buying the model with the longest feature list.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Stepping up to a higher-tier color laser usually means faster print speeds, automatic duplexing, and larger paper trays that reduce restocking during busy weeks. Premium models also tend to include better security features and longer manufacturer support plans, which matter more for offices with multiple users. For most solo operators, the mid-tier options cover the essentials without inflating the budget, while growing teams benefit from the productivity gains of a higher tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Print Volume Affect The Right Choice?
Print volume drives the refill model more than the printer itself, since supertank inkjets cost less per page at high volumes, while lasers hold up better under sudden bursts of work. A small business printing a few hundred pages weekly should weigh refill cost carefully before committing.
Are Wireless Printers Reliable For Daily Office Use?
Dual-band Wi-Fi and standard mobile printing protocols have matured enough that wireless models like the Xerox C245 and EcoTank ET-2720 handle daily jobs without frequent dropouts. Signal strength and router placement still matter, so a strong home or office network is worth confirming before going fully wireless.
Do All-in-One Printers Save Money Compared To Separate Devices?
For most small businesses, an all-in-one laser or EcoTank replaces a separate scanner and copier, which saves desk space and reduces upfront cost. Dedicated photo or label printers remain useful additions when specialty output is part of the workflow.
How Often Should Toner Or Ink Be Replaced?
Replacement cadence depends on monthly page volume and color coverage, but laser toner cartridges generally last longer between swaps than standard ink cartridges. EcoTank bottles stretch further still, so refills happen far less often than cartridge replacements.
Is A Label Printer Necessary For A Small Business?
A label printer is essential only for businesses that ship products, organize inventory, or sell packaged goods. Service-based businesses without physical inventory usually do not need one, which is why dedicated models like the NIIMBOT N1 and M2 sit at the end of this list rather than the top.
Final Verdict
The best pick for your small business depends on whether color quality, page volume, or specialty output drives your day. Teams that print a mix of reports and marketing materials will feel most comfortable with the Xerox C245 or the Epson EcoTank ET-2720, while photo and craft sellers get more from the Canon SELPHY, and warehouses benefit from the NIIMBOT label printers. Match the engine to your dominant job type, and the rest of the decision tends to fall into place.
